Mr. M. MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the failure to attract full-time dentists to the Outer Isles, he will now consider offering more effective financial and other inducements, to enable him to carry out his statutory duty to provide such services under the National Health legislation.
§ Mr. MaclayThe inducements which I described in my reply to the hon. Member on 26th March were a considerable improvement on those previously offered, and I should not feel justified in altering them again at this stage.
In the meantime, I have authorised the Executive Council to increase, if possible, the number of visiting dentists to the 143W remote areas in the Outer Isles in addition to those who are already paying periodic visits to Barra, Lochmaddy and Lochboisdale.
The local authority still have under consideration the appointment of a full-time school dental officer for the treatment of the children.